Ornamental pear tree problems should never hinder the value of your landscape, provided you are well aware about them at an initial stage itself.
Pyrus calleryana is popularly known as the ornamental pear tree and is different from the edible sort of pears. This deciduous species is native to China, and it grows more than 60 feet tall with dark and dense foliage that is lighter below. This tree has a conical or rounded crown, and flowers during spring with white flowers that are sticky and have a sweet smell. Due to the unique ability of turning landscape designs by the distinct change in its foliage and the overall appearance, the value of this tree is great.
It is an agreed fact that ornamental pear trees are amongst the best choices for landscaping, and one must welcome this refreshing tree in one’s garden. When a person decides to plant this tree, he/she has to be aware about certain things related to its care and health. Though there are varieties in the types of flowering pear trees, the ornamental pear tree problems are more or less similar to the usual problems faced by any other type.
Problems
Ornamental pear tree belongs to the family of apple, blackberry, and rose. Hence, the problems associated with these trees are also somewhat similar to those of the above-mentioned trees. There are more than 800 cultivars of the flowering pear, and the most popular ornamental pear trees are the Bradford Pear, Chanticleer Pear and the Cleveland pear tree. Their cultivars share the same problems, i.e., upright growth of the branches and the possibility of their breakage and splitting. This problem can be sorted out with the regular pruning and maintenance of the trees. One of the basic problems with ornamental pear trees is the different diseases that are mostly caused by bacterial or fungal infection. Let’s see what are these diseases are:
- Fire Blight Disease:
This is the most destructive disease that can cause extensive damage if not spotted in time. There are several types of the fire blight that can be decided upon the time of their actual appearance. The bacterial fire blight mostly attacks the small and younger leaves during the spring season. The most prominent sign of the fire blights is a sticky deposition on the plant stems. If you spot such things, then it is best to spray any bacteria-resistant pesticide on the tree. - Leaf Scorch Disease:
The leaf scorch disease occurs as an outburst of the weather stress, i.e., extreme and sudden change in the weather. Hence, it generally appears after a really dry and hot weather. It occurs as the tree roots cannot supply the adequate amount of water to the leaves. In case of this disease, it is very important to make sure that there is enough of the soil moisture around the tree. Mulching around the tree and wetting the soil can be very helpful for the plant to maintain its health. Also, make sure that the roots of the tree don’t get damaged by the lawn movers and string trimmers. - Leaf Spot Disease:
This is a fungal disease that has the capacity of devaluating of the beauty and health of the ornamental pear trees. It causes numerous spots on the leaves and causes defoliation. The spots have grayish-white centers that are defined with sharp margins. If not treated in time, the margins get swelled up and can cause bumpy structures on the leaves. On initial spotting of the disease, it can be managed by spraying regular fungicides. - Root Rot Disease:
Root rot disease on ornamental pear trees is caused by fungal infection. This disease is also known as cotton root rot. The foremost symptom of this problem is wilting of the leaves in the summer season, when this fungus is most active. If not checked in time, the tree can die with the healthy leaves still on the trees. This disease mostly affects the matured trees and can also cause rotting of the entire tap root. This problem can also be caused by poor irrigation. So, it is very important to provide the plant with proper irrigation and quality fungicides.
Apart from these four major and common problems, there are several other diseases that can spell doom for your ornamental pear. These diseases include crown gall, blisters, late leaf rot, sooty mold, powdery mildew, etc. It is very important to learn proper tree care techniques for the best results and a better health of this beautiful aesthetic plant.